We asked nine of the most popular chefs in America for their favorite unexpected food destination around the world.

From stateside sleepers like Minneapolis to exotic tropical locales like Sayulita, Mexico, here are 9 of the world's most underrated food destinations.

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Calabria, Italy — Eataly's Lidia Bastianich

Calabria is rarely talked about as a major culinary region of Italy. But for chef Bastianich the tip of the boot is the best.
Lidia Bastianich/ Pixabay

"The region of Calabria is known for peperoncino and 'Nduja [spreadable pork salumi], which I love on top of grilled Cacciocavallo cheese," Bastianich told INSIDER. "In Bagnara, I had the most delicious swordfish parmigiana...A risotto made with the local licorice was unexpectedly delicious, and the meal finished with a licorice ice cream. Calabria is also the region that has one of the largest selection of little known indigenous wine varietals."

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Vancouver, British Columbia — Toro's Jamie Bissonnette

Montreal is not the only food-lovers destination across Canada. For incredible ethnic food, think Vancouver.
Josh Andrus/ Pixabay

"The ethnic Asian food, and the French-Canadian food is so great, and the people are unbelievably kind," the James Beard award-winning chef said.

Copenhagen, Denmark — The Meatball Shop's Michael Chernow

Copenhagen's culinary darling may be the recently-closed (and reimagined) Noma, but the city is more than just René Redzepi's gastronomic legend.

"Before Noma, Denmark was not much of a food destination," Chernow said. "I've been going for 13 years, the food is wholesome, hearty, unique and delicious. If you have never experienced a Danish Christmas, you are missing out on a real treat."

"I was there a few years ago and tried their traditional street food called 'kokorec' which is flame-roasted lamb intestine wrapped in fresh soft bread, drizzled in amazing olive oil and dusted in Turkish spices and fresh onions," Murphy said. "The combination is mouth-watering; I really loved it and crave it all the time!"

Sayulita, Mexico — Australian celebrity chef Curtis Stone

Mexico has some incredible culinary experiences from Tequila (yes, the birthplace of tequila) to the larger cities, but Celebrity Apprentice finalist Curtis Stone recommends a lesser-known town: Sayulita.

"The little surfing town of Sayulita, Mexico has the best fish tacos anywhere," he said.